Corporate Philosophy

Approaching 125 years since our foundation in Germany, the bedrock of our global growth is the spirit of independence and community service principle of entrepreneurial freedom and spirit of social service. Global trust achieved via long-term business strategies and unique technologies significant up-front investments for the future, made possible through financial independence.

Leading various industries with a unique management system with the special ownership structure

As a corporation, the most unique characteristic of Bosch is the complete separation of shareholder (capital) and management (execution of business). Our founder's business philosophy valuing independence bore fruit in 1937 when the organization was converted to GmbH (limited liability company), allowing us to pursue management based on long-term perspective, free from outside pressures and demands for short-term profits. Under this organizational system, Bosch has made important investments to secure future growth and has continued to grow as a global corporation creating unique advanced technologies. Majority of Robert Bosch GmbH shares are held by the non-profit foundation Robert Bosch Foundation (92% shareholding ratio, non-voting), and the top legislative body is the partner organization, Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand (Industrial Trust) KG (93% voting shares). Majority of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation (92% shareholding, non-voting). 93% of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand (Industrial Trust) KG, the execution of the entrepreneurial ownership function. Under this special ownership structure, Bosch has made important investments to secure future growth and has continued to grow as a global corporation creating advanced technologies.

Multilateral business expansion to improve people's quality of life

Stuttgart, Germany, 1886 -- A 25-year-old mechanic by the name of Robert Bosch opened the ‘Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering', the origin of the present Bosch Group. In the following year, he his company's engineer invented the low-voltage magneto for stationary gasoline engines. In 1902, he the company developed high-voltage magneto and the spark plug, largely improving gasoline engine performance. Later on, business was further diversified to include production of power tools, household appliances and thermotechnology products. Business expanded from Automotive Technology to a wide range of business fields including Industrial Technology, and Consumer Goods and Building Technology. The Bosch Group has grown along side the evolution of the automotive industry and has greatly contributed to its development. From our founding to the present, we have produced numerous unique advanced technologies, never wavering from the spirit of independence.